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- DictionaryMo·tive/ˈmōdiv/
noun
- 1. a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious: "a motive for his murder"
- 2. (in art, literature, or music) a motif: "the entire work grows organically from the opening horn motive"
adjective
- 1. producing physical or mechanical motion: "the charge of gas is the motive force for every piston stroke"
- 2. causing or being the reason for something: "the motive principle of a writer's work"
The meaning of MOTIVE is something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. How to use motive in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Motive.
MOTIVE definition: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
noun. something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive. Synonyms: cause, ground, occasion, influence, spur, stimulus, incitement, motivation. the goal or object of a person's actions: Her motive was revenge. (in art, literature, and music) a motif.
MOTIVE meaning: 1. a reason for doing something: 2. (of power or force) causing movement or action 3. a reason for…. Learn more.
Definitions of motive. noun. the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior. “he acted with the best of motives ” synonyms: motivation, need. see more. adjective. causing or able to cause motion. “a motive force” “ motive power”
motive, incentive, inducement apply to whatever moves one to action. motive is, literally, something that moves a person; an inducement, something that leads a person on; an incentive, something that inspires a person.
Definition of motive noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
a reason for doing something: The police don't yet know the motive for the killing. (Definition of motive from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Definition of motive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
n. 1. An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action. 2. (mō′tĭv, mō-tēv′) A motif in art, literature, or music. adj. 1. Causing or able to cause motion: motive power. 2. Causing an action: motive pleas.
